Assessment of Egyptian Maize Hybrids for Their Capability of Plant Regeneration using Immature Embryo Culture

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the regeneration capability of five maize hybrids (Syngenta hybrid, Three-way hybrid (324), Single cross hybrid P344 (Pioneer), Single cross hybrid 30N 11 (Pioneer) and Threeway hybrid (321)) using immature embryo explants with four medium protocols. The analysis of variance for in vitro culture traits of explant response indicated that callus induction, callus weight and embryogenic callus significantly responded to maize genotypes, medium protocols and their interaction. Also differences among maize hybrids were highly significant for shoot formation (%), while they were not significant for root formation (%). The four medium protocols indicated highly significant differences for root formation (%) and shoot formation (%). Three-way hybrid (324) and Single cross hybrid 30 N11(Pioneer) had the highest induction frequency of shoot formation on medium protocol D. Both maize hybrids on medium protocol D could be successfully utilized for the in vitro selection studies for maize improvement.